Modernism : designing a new world, 1914-1939

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This comprehensive, international examination of the Modernist movement across all the arts is now available in paperback. Between 1914 and 1939, Modernism flourished through the work of creative visionaries who believed in the transformative power of art on society and its ability to shape a better world. The first book of its kind, Modernism: Designing a New World approaches one of the most important movements of the 20th century from a truly international perspective and reveals the scope of Modernism's impact across all the arts. Christopher Wilk reveals the fundamental ways in which Modernism has continued to shape our world and its visual culture and illustrates the extensive reach of the movement.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Wilk (V & A) assembled this fascinating exhibition defining changes in attitude toward divergent physical forms--visual, tactile, aural. The most striking feature is the important Russian and Italian contributions. The exhibition motifs and themes begin with Wilk's excellent essay on defining modernism, followed by a superb essay by Christina Lodder (Univ. of St. Andrews) stressing the search for Utopia, particularly in Russia; a major essay on the machine by Christopher Green (Courtauld Institute); and one of the most important essays on architecture, the heart of the exhibition and catalog, including photographs, drawings, models, and films on a wide variety of houses and buildings, by Tim Benton (Open Univ.). Another essay by Wilk treats cantilevered chairs by numerous architects. There is a fascinating, unexpected section on performing modernism, including theaters, costumes, and dancers (unusual subjects), by Tag Gronberg (Birkbeck College). Less obvious, but equally fascinating, is Wilk's "Health and Body Culture," with muscular figures with Nazi fitness overtones. Ian Christie (Birkbeck College) writes on film, Tim Benton on nature (Frank Lloyd Wright and Alvar Aalto), and David Crawley (Royal College of Art) on Nationalism. The interesting but somewhat less important "Mass Market Modernism," by Christie, concludes the volume. The illustrations, including films, define this diverse subject. A first-rate publication. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. General readers; upper-division undergraduates through faculty. T. J. McCormick emeritus, Wheaton College (MA)